Hey, my NJ family, it’s been a while since I’ve updated my day trip blog because I’ve been working weekends and only have Tuesdays and Wednesdays off. Last Saturday, I went on an amazing day trip to three incredible places, from the shore to the air (more on that later). My first stop was the Cedar Bridge Tavern County Historic Site at 200 Old Halfway Road, Barnegat, NJ. oceancountyparks.org. This hidden gem spans 291 acres and features a fully restored tavern with beautiful artifacts dating back to 1816, though its history goes even further back. Cedar Bridge sits at a significant 18th-century crossroads connecting Old Springfield in Burlington County to Manahawkin in what was then Monmouth County.
The tavern’s restoration came after extensive architectural research, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places on August 8, 2013, with the work completed in 2018. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners purchased Cedar Bridge Tavern on December 27, 2007.
Next stop: LBI Surf City, heading straight to the best BBQ joint in town—Smokey's BBQ at 1700 Long Beach Boulevard, Surf City. smokeysbbqnj.com Smokey's, owned by Steve Weson, has been driven by his unique passion for BBQ for over a decade. From the lively "Pig Roast Parties" he loves to host, he’s taken his barbecue to an exciting new level. Smoking whole hogs over Applewood in his homemade pit, he perfected signature rubs and sauces to bring out the best in his meats. He stepped it up with two custom-built Old Hickory smokers to share his creations far and wide. The prices are reasonable, the brisket is incredibly tender, the ribs are just as good, and the sides are amazing.
Next up, we’re heading to Manahawkin to visit a brewery with a name so funny you might want to wash your mouth out with suds—and no, I don’t mean soap. The place is called ManaFirkin Brewing Company, located at 450 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin. manafirkin.com
Manafirkin, owned by Donn Hossak and Todd Hunt, opened in May 2017 with the support of their wives, Lisa and Michelle. Their journey began in 2016 when they brought their dream to life. The brewery offers a great selection of craft beers, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Plus, it’s dog-friendly and welcomes kids. Manafirkin is a BYOF spot, but they also have food trucks on-site for anyone looking to grab a bite. If you’re planning family events like birthday parties or bachelor/bachelorette parties, be sure to call ahead to book in advance.
Our final stop was the Burlington County Fairgrounds at 1900 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ. burlingtoncountynj.com This 61-acre venue offers a mix of festivals and fairs, from the wine festival and Burlington County Farm Fair to the exciting new Hot Air Balloon Festival. I was lucky enough to take a once-in-a-lifetime ride in a hot air balloon, and it was truly incredible. On some weekends, no matter the weather, they host a tractor pull that’s a blast for the whole family.
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